South St. Paul High School’s Alida Ahern Embraces Sports as an Outlet
In South St. Paul, senior Alida Ahern has made a name for herself this fall by playing dual sports: soccer and football. As the starting goalie for the girls’ soccer team and a kicker for the Packers football team, she brings an inspiring attitude to the field. Ahern mentioned, “Sports are kind of my outlet. Being able to go out after school with no pressure, you can just be a kid and be with your friends. You’re there to play your sport.”
This season has seen Ahern achieve several milestones. She made her first field goal in a game with a 26-yard kick during a loss at St. Croix Lutheran and followed that up by booting two more field goals against North St. Paul. Reflecting on her experience in the football arena, Ahern said, “I just had to go in there with no fear.”
However, Ahern’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Her father, Pat Ahern, shared how he often anticipated calls from school about difficulties she faced due to generalized anxiety. After transferring from Cretin-Derham Hall in her sophomore year, Alida focused on her love for sports as part of her recovery. “She is never going to not defend herself,” Pat explained, highlighting her resilience. After working with counselors and learning coping strategies, Alida found the importance of sports and camaraderie, which helped her confront anxiety. “I take it day by day,” she remarked.
Along with soccer and football, Alida also plays hockey and golf. Witnessing Alida’s development, her hockey coach, Dave Palmquist, noted a significant change, declaring, “This past year, I saw a 180-degree mindset shift.” He praised her growth, saying she shifted from worrying about others to striving to be her best self.
Alida relies on her family, friends, and her growing faith as her support system. She regularly attends services at Crossroads Church and embraces meaningful symbols of her journey, such as a tattoo on her wrist reading “Love Dad” and another on her arm saying, “Everything happens for a reason.” This saying reflects her mother’s belief that challenges can shape a brighter future.
This determination not only fuels Ahern’s ambition in sports but also sets an example for her peers. As she continues her senior season, her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the uplifting spirit of high school athletics.
